DBM approves PHP 4.7B out of PHP 6.83B budget for plate backlog

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is still dealing with the backlog of replacement license plates – a long-standing issue that even the previous administration has struggled to clear.

But now the LTO is finally looking to get on top of the replacement plates saga. The agency is now targeting to clear at least 90% of the plate backlogs by the end of 2023.

Ever since the LTO started making the replacement plates in its own facility last May, the agency's data shows that as of October 3, around 300,000 plates have already been made. But faced with a 2.3-million replacement plate backlog for vehicles and 11.5-million for motorcycles, there's still a mountain to climb before they come close to the 90% target.

LTO targets 90% of plate backlogs cleared by end of 2023 image

However, the clearing of backlogs may soon pick up its pace. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has already approved PHP 4.7-billion out of the proposed PHP 6.83-billion budget to address the plate backlogs. Most of the budget is allotted for the agency to hire a private company to help out in clearing 90% of the plate backlogs by around December next year.

“Right now, we have already extended the operating hours of the LTO license plate manufacturing plant. It now operates even on Saturdays so that it can produce more replacement plates and reduce the backlog” said LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Teofilo Guadiz III.

In addition, Guadiz highlighted that the agency does not have any backlogs when it comes to making license plates for newly-registered vehicles.

Here's to hoping LTO hits its targets by the end of next year.

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